Quail Eggs at Camas Farmer's Market

Why is it that tiny versions of everyday items make us smile? I have written about the charms of miniatures before but they never fail to take me by surprise.

Last week at the Camas Farmer’s Market I saw that Reister Farms had quail eggs for sale. At least they had them very early in the afternoon, before I arrived. When I saw the words “Quail Eggs” crossed through and “Sold Out” written to the side I think I took it personally. I have had those quail eggs on my mind all week. Though I know next to nothing about quail eggs I remember seeing a post about them, a picture that was stuck in my mind highlighting the extreme cuteness of these diminutive treasures.

This week I got to the market early, shortly after it opened. I went straight to Reister Farms and asked for a dozen quail eggs. Though I had anticipated my purchase for days I was still struck by how beautiful they really were. Each had a unique pattern of dots and hues, from speckles to large blotches of brown on backgrounds from cream to almost light blue to brown. Shopper after shopper stopped by to comment, if not buy some of their own. They marveled at how large these were, for quail eggs, or how unique the coloring. They seemed almost too pretty to eat. Almost…

I sat down in the grass beside the Camas Library to admire my purchases. Friends joined me. They helped me think of things to do with the eggs. I had to admit I was as eager to photograph them as I was to taste them.

Back home I looked up posts and recipes. I never found the photo I remembered but I did find some great new ideas for how to use these awesome little eggs. Hopefully I'll have more to post about that soon. Meanwhile, here are a few lovely links on the virtues of quail eggs:

Nicisme - I was told the eggs were gathered the day before I bought them. I don't think they get much fresher. :)

Grace - I've had some fun with those eggs this week. I hope to post about it soon...

Ivy - It is a nice market. It is on the small side but there are lots of interesting items. It seems there is something new to discover every week I show up.

Ungourmet and Ivy - The quail eggs taste very similar to chicken eggs. The taste may be a bit richer overall but it isn't a strong taste. Perhaps it is just that the yolk is a larger proportion of the whole egg than in a chicken's egg.

Cathy - In some places I think you might find quail eggs at Whole Foods though I have never seen them there myself. Otherwise I guess it is just a matter of luck. I'm so glad I got to try them. Hope you find some soon!

Yay! I have been looking forward to this post since Christi told me about your quail egg adventures. I'm going to have to start getting my writing done BEFORE Wednesdays so I can make it down to the market!